This passage recounts the role of Ibn Erkam (RA), one of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His residence, famously known as “Dar al-Arqam,” served as a covert hub for inviting individuals to Islam, continuing until the Muslim community’s numbers reached 40, a significant moment marked by the embrace of Islam by Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). Dar al-Arqam was situated in close proximity to Safa and played a crucial role in the propagation of Islam.
It is noted that Dar al-Arqam was positioned near a gate named Erkam, and its location can be identified from Safa toward the eastern side, approximately aligning with the starting point of the electric escalator today. In the year 171 AH (Hijri), a mosque was erected at this location. This mosque was revered and utilized by Muslims until the year 1375 AH (Hijri), after which it underwent demolition to facilitate the expansion of Masjid al-Haram (the Grand Mosque in Mecca).